The End is Here!

  Believe it or not, we made it. The 2016 legislative session is finally coming to a close. While we can never know for sure, it looks like everything will likely wrap up this coming Tuesday or Wednesday. As always, we'll keep you posted as to the exact date. Once again, thanks to all of you for your hard work this session. Our legislative team enjoyed spending time with several brothers and sisters who made a trip to the Capitol, and we hope those of you who did so had a pleasant experience. The Capitol isn't always the most uplifting place, but we're all stronger when we stand and fight together! 

  Because this last week is very tentative in terms of scheduling, many items on here are subject to change with little to no warning. Be sure you're keeping up with us on Twitter over the next few days. We'll post any important information about Labor bills as we get it. We don't want to toot our own horn just yet, but this is shaping up to be one of the most successful legislative sessions we've had in a few years! Given the current environment, any victory (big or small) is important! 

  Unless something unexpected arises, this will be our last legislative update for the year. We'll send out our wrap-up e-mail in late April or early May with the top good and bad bills that we faced this year. Our team will also provide a recap at our Leadership Conference in June, so there will be multiple opportunities to discuss legislative issues! 

Monday, April 18th

Senate Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 1 p.m., LP 12

Senate Bill 2387 (HB 2414): It's been in the news quite a bit, but this is the bill that would require public school and public higher education students to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match the gender listed on their birth certificates. Among many negative impacts, our state is at risk of losing federal education funding if this passes.
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee at 1 p.m. in LP 16. 

Senate Bill 1449 (HB 1880): This piece of legislation would make it a Class C felony to assault a public servant while that person is performing official duties. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee at 1 p.m. in LP 16. 

Senate Bill 2582 (HB 2416): Among other things, this is the bill that would decrease the amount of time that a person has to report an injury from 30 days to three days. It is our understanding, however, that a compromise of 15 days has supposedly been reached. 
Note: This bill will also be heard in the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee at 1 p.m. in LP 16.

House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee, 1 p.m., LP 16

Please see the notes above for details about HB 2414/SB 2387, HB 1880/SB 1449, and HB 2416/SB 2582!

House Bill 2201 (SB 2469): This bill would enact the "Right to Earn a Living Act" and is not a good piece of legislation. In short, it loosens licensing requirements for certain occupations in Tennessee.  

House Finance, Ways & Means Committee, 2 p.m., LP 16

House Bill 2512 (SB 2481): While originally making several changes to unemployment benefits, this bill quickly turned into another hurdle for pregnant women who have to leave their jobs.
Note: This bill will be heard on the Senate floor at 3 p.m.

Senate Floor Session, 3 p.m.

Please see the note above concerning SB 2481/HB 2512!

Senate Bill 1626 (HB 1742): A very good bill, this would establish an online voter registration system that would take effect on July 1, 2017. 

Senate Bill 1926 (HB 1797): Another good piece of legislation, this would require the Fiscal Review Committee to analyze and approve any state service contracts greater than $1 million. This is a subtle dig at the Haslam administration's privatization plans.
Note: The companion bill was sent to summer study in the House.

House Floor Session, 4 p.m.

House Bill 2407 (SB 2093): This piece of legislation enacts the "Public-Private Transportation Act of 2016." Some of our affiliates have concerns about this legislation and have provided some great talking points, which you can find here.  
Tuesday, April 19th

As of right now, the House and Senate are both scheduled to have floor sessions at 9 a.m. The House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee will meet at 1 p.m. in LP 16 to address any bills that it did not get to on Monday. We will keep you updated about any legislation noted above that we're watching! 
Wednesday, April 20th

If the legislature is still in session, the House is scheduled to have a floor session at 9 a.m. Currently, there are no other meetings on the agenda.
Contact:
Alyssa Hansen, Communications Director
1901 Lindell Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209  |  615.269.7111